In a thrilling encounter at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) in Kolkata, the Bangladesh Army Football Team (BAFT) staged a remarkable comeback to secure a 2-2 draw against Emami East Bengal FC (EBFC) in the Durand Cup 2023 match.
East Bengal vs Bangladesh Army
The game started with an exciting pace as East Bengal took an early lead with two goals in the first half. Saul Crespo and Javier Siviero found the back of the net, putting the Kolkata side ahead by 2-0. Crespo’s goal came from a penalty after Kamrul Islam’s foul inside the Bangladesh penalty box. Siviero, too, showcased his skills by capitalizing on a cross from Naorem Mahesh Singh.
Bangladesh Army’s Resilient Fightback
Despite the setback, the Bangladesh Army demonstrated resilience and determination. Shariar Emon and substitute Meraj Pradhan became the heroes for their team by scoring crucial goals. Emon’s goal in the 88th minute injected new life into the match, and Meraj Pradhan’s late equalizer in added time sent the fans into a frenzy. A lapse in East Bengal’s defense allowed Pradhan to capitalize on a poor back pass and secure the draw for Bangladesh Army.
Nishu Kumar’s Red Card
The game witnessed a turning point when Nishu Kumar received a red card for an off-the-ball challenge, leaving East Bengal with 10 players on the field. This provided the opening for Bangladesh Army to mount their impressive comeback and salvage a point.
Impressive Performances and Missed Opportunities
East Bengal dominated possession and had better chances throughout the game. Players like Saul Crespo, Javier Siviero, and Nandhakumar Sekar showcased their skills, but the Kolkata side struggled to convert their opportunities into goals. Despite their efforts, they were unable to secure a victory.
Conclusion
The Durand Cup 2023 match between East Bengal vs Bangladesh Army delivered an exciting display of football, with both teams showcasing their strengths and determination. The draw showcased the unpredictable nature of the sport and left fans eager for more thrilling matches in the tournament.
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